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As the art of cosplay steadily proliferates into the culture of Japan, even traditionally stodgy institutions like universities have begun accepting it at their graduations. So it would seem obvious that more “carefree” places like theme parks would embrace the costumed fun.

Tokyo Disneyland had their own cosplay event and Universal Studios Japan makes provisions for it in their park rules and regulations. Still, with these companies and others protecting their own brand interests there’s bound to be some lines one shouldn’t cross when trying to gain entrance in costume. But with no official bans on dressing up like certain characters it’s up to Twitter users to test the waters and find where these parks draw the line.

Many of us have probably pondered from time to time, “What would happen if I tried to enter Universal Studios dressed like Mickey Mouse?” However, without the nerve, excessive free time, money, and access to a Mickey Mouse costume it tends to be a fleeting thought.

On 7 June, a pair with the rare combination of things listed above suited up as Mickey and his main squeeze Minnie and headed down to the seaside park for some fun.

Universal Studios Japan’s rules make no mention of the Disney mascots specifically. These are the following conditions of cosplay inside the park:

■  We welcome guests to enjoy the park in a variety of clothes and fancy dress. However, please keep the following points in mind:

・Clothing is not allowed that is determined to make other guests uncomfortable or is offensive to public order and morals.
・Clothing is not allowed that has the possibility of interfering with crime prevention by misleading other guests.
・If you behave as if you are a park entertainer or crew, you will be asked to leave.
・In the event that you inconvenience other guests, you’ll be asked to leave.

It’s not cut and dry, but as long as you don’t act like a professional Mickey and/or Minnie Mouse it seems okay to dress up like them in Universal Studios. On the other hand, dressing up like the theme park’s main rival’s mascot would certainly put their leniency to the test.

The above tweet shows the pair standing just outside of the main gates, which makes us think they didn’t actually make it inside. Another couple in far less convincing costumes partook in the act in September of last year. Here they show us the results: a firm talking-to by security and no entry.

Honestly though, Mickey and Minnie did seem like foregone conclusions, but this could spread further to an interesting hobby for all the youth of Japan. In this nationwide game the ultimate win would be to dress as the highest-profile park-conflicting character possible and gain entrance. Who could it be: Ronald Mc Donald? Super Mario? Whatever Mr. Sato’s trying to be here?

Source: Twitter 1, 2, Universal Studios Japan, Byokan Sunday (Japanese)

https://twitter.com/Shiorin0124/statuses/376614712516952064